NATIVE WELFARE PROBLEMS

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25732, 18 February 1949, Page 8

NATIVE WELFARE PROBLEMS

COLONIAL POWERS CONCERNED REHABILITATION AFTER WAR The welfare and progress of native peoples in the Pacific are deeply concerning many delegates to the seventh Pacific Science Congress, now sitting in Christchurch. Authorities whose work covers’ wide fields have come to New Zealand particularly to compare notes with other Pacific colonial powers on their handling of native affairs. Yesterday there was some outspoken criticism of inadequate attention to these problems, although, in many cases, it was reported that war-time occupation by allied forces and public works in virgin country improved local facilities. Dr. K. A. Ryerson, Dean of the College of Agriculture on David campus at the University of Califontia. who heads the American delegation, told a reporter that he was particularly interested in fostering agriculture among the natives. Working with occupying forces, many native peoples had learned modern farming techniques which they were now applying in their own economy. Countries with dependent peoples were endeavouring to assist.

Though New Zealand might take for granted her assistance to Maori farmers, visitors were keenly observing the schemes in vogue. Side by side with the training of native farmers must go training for the women who would join them “On a farm the home must work as a team and efficient management by the women is important.” Dr Ryerson said. As in New Zealand, native men who had served in the forces were making good farmers. Captain C. K. Youngkin. United States Navy, who is Director of Public Health in Guam, was interviewed about native developments there. Guam had been flattened by war and then had become a pivotal point on great Pacific air routes, he said. The only compensation for war-time devastation was the opportunity to plan reconstruction on the most modern lines. At present Americans outnumbered natives by three to one on Guam because so many were engaged on big public works and other rehabilitation projects. Health authorities were providing improved sanitation facilities and pursuing a big educational programme. At the same time important work was being done on the health of the white man in the tropics.

Pandit Ami Chandra, a member of the Legislative Council of Fiji, spoke of the problem of illiteracy among Indian peoples there. He placed insufficient schools as the first cause, coupled with seasonal demands for juvenile labour in agriculture. There had been wastage and stagnation in education, about 70 per cent, of the children- not proceeding beyond the fourth year at school. He advocated provision of more schools, with special attention to the training of teachers. Adult education in Fiji would demand special treatment.

Dr. J. C. Lopdell. Medical Officer of Health in Western Samoa, said that in health education there teachers must be “geared to the character of the Samoan people,” understand their social organisation, health concepts, and the part played by “witchcraft and quackery,” Successful treatments and visible effects -of sanitary improvements made a dramatic impression.